10 Rare Millionaire Dimes: Like most people, I rarely give my pocket change a second thought. Spare dimes and quarters end up in jars, between car seats, or forgotten in old purses. But after a casual conversation with veteran coin dealer Tony Mendez at a flea market last spring, I’ve started looking at my coins differently.
“People don’t realize they might be tossing away small fortunes,” Tony told me, holding up an ordinary-looking dime. “I’ve seen people unknowingly spend coins worth thousands on a cup of coffee.”
His words sent me down a numismatic rabbit hole. I started researching rare dimes and special Bicentennial quarters, and what I found might make you rethink how you handle your spare change. Here are 10 rare millionaire dimes and quarters that could turn your everyday pocket change into a fortune.
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1. The 1916-D Mercury Dime: The Collector’s Holy Grail
Value Range: $5,000 – $100,000+
The 1916-D Mercury dime is one of the most sought-after coins among collectors. With only 264,000 pieces minted in Denver, this dime is considered the rarest of the Mercury series.
“Most of these dimes were in circulation before people realized their rarity,” explained Sarah Jenkins, a Boston coin shop owner. “That means the ones still around today are usually worn.”
Even in poor condition, a 1916-D Mercury dime can fetch over $5,000, while pristine, uncirculated versions have sold for six figures at auctions. If you come across a Mercury dime from 1916, check the back for a small “D” mint mark beneath the fasces (the bundle of rods and an axe). That tiny detail could make you rich!
2. The 1942/1 Mercury Dime Overdate
Value Range: $3,000 – $75,000
This unusual error occurred when the U.S. Mint mistakenly struck some 1942 dimes over existing 1941 dies. The result? A clear “1” peeking out from under the “2” in the date.
“It’s like catching the Mint red-handed,” joked Mike Hernandez, a long-time collector. “They tried to fix the error, but the overdate is still visible.”
Both Philadelphia and Denver mints produced this variety, but the Denver (D) version is rarer and more valuable. If you spot a 1942 Mercury dime, check it under a magnifying glass—you might be looking at a coin worth tens of thousands of dollars.
3. The 1968 No-S Proof Dime
Value Range: $20,000 – $80,000
Most proof dimes from 1968 bear an “S” mint mark for San Francisco. However, a tiny batch was struck without the “S”, making them one of the most valuable modern dimes.
“Fewer than 25 are known to exist,” said coin dealer Robert Cohen. “Finding one in a proof set is like winning the lottery.”
These dimes never entered regular circulation but were included in special proof sets sold by the U.S. Mint. If you have old proof sets from 1968, check for a missing “S” mint mark—it could be worth a small fortune.
4. The 1975 No-S Proof Dime
Value Range: $50,000 – $500,000
Even rarer than the 1968 version, the 1975 No-S proof dime is one of the most valuable modern coins ever minted. Only two confirmed specimens exist, making them a numismatic treasure.
“A collector recently paid nearly half a million dollars for one at a Heritage auction,” said numismatic historian Elena Rodriguez.
If you happen to have a 1975 proof set, examine the dime carefully. With so few in existence, finding one would be like striking gold.
5. The 1982 No-P Roosevelt Dime
Value Range: $50 – $1,500
Unlike the proof dimes above, this one actually circulated. Due to a Mint error, some 1982 dimes from Philadelphia were struck without the customary “P” mint mark.
“I’ve found three just by checking bank rolls,” said Jennifer Williams, a hobbyist coin hunter.
While not as valuable as the others, uncirculated specimens can sell for over $1,000. If you find a 1982 dime missing the “P” mint mark, don’t overlook it!
Rare Bicentennial Quarters Worth a Fortune
In 1976, the U.S. Mint released Bicentennial quarters featuring a special drummer boy design to celebrate America’s 200th anniversary. While most are common, a few rare varieties are incredibly valuable.
6. The 1976 Bicentennial Quarter Double Die Obverse
Value Range: $40 – $400
Some Bicentennial quarters were struck twice by mistake, creating a “double die” effect. The most noticeable doubling appears in the words “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST”.
“These quarters are still out there,” said Frank Wilson, a coin shop owner. “People don’t check their change closely enough.”
7. The No-S Silver Bicentennial Quarter Proof
Value Range: $15,000 – $40,000
Like the No-S dimes, some silver-proof Bicentennial quarters were minted without the “S”. These are exceptionally rare and valuable.
“People sometimes try to fake them by removing the mint mark,” warned certification expert Douglas Freeman. “But real ones show no signs of tampering.”
8. The Bicentennial Quarter Struck on Silver Planchet
Value Range: $300 – $7,000
Most Bicentennial quarters were made of copper-nickel, but some were accidentally struck on 40% silver planchets.
“They weigh slightly more than normal quarters,” explained Marta Jimenez, an error coin expert. “If your quarter seems heavy, weigh it—it could be silver.”
9. The Bicentennial Quarter Struck on a Philippine Peso Planchet
Value Range: $3,000 – $10,000
A few Bicentennial quarters were mistakenly struck on planchets meant for Philippine pesos, resulting in lighter coins with an unusual color.
“These errors are shocking to find,” said Thomas Greene, an error coin specialist. “They’re immediately recognizable.”
10. The Bicentennial Quarter with a Major Off-Center Strike
Value Range: $100 – $2,500
If a coin shifts during minting, it can be struck off-center, creating an unusual shape. Bicentennial quarters with significant off-center errors are highly collectible.
“The sweet spot for value is about 50% off-center,” said auction expert Derek Thompson.
How to Check Your Change for Valuable Coins
Here’s a quick way to scan your change for hidden treasures:
✅ Sort by denomination—dimes and quarters separately.
✅ Check dates quickly—pull out all Mercury dimes and Bicentennial quarters.
✅ Use good lighting—natural light helps reveal details.
✅ Invest in a magnifier—5x or 10x loupes work best.
✅ NEVER clean coins—cleaning can cut their value in half.
The thrill of coin hunting isn’t just about potential profits—it’s about connecting with history. Who knows? That next quarter in your pocket could be worth thousands. Happy hunting!
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